Reviews

From the mixed-up files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg

Faber Factory, 2015. ISBN 9781782690719
Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler wishes to change her will and is writing to her lawyer Saxenberg to explain her changes and the reasons for them. To make things perfectly clear, she then writes the story of Claudia and James Kincaid, two children from Greenwich who are never going to enjoy the sort of wealth she has but who cross her path after a series of intriguing adventures.
Claudia is tired of being the eldest of four and decides she will run away to make her parents take more notice of her and she chooses her middle brother Jamie to go with her, not only because she likes him the best but he is the one with the money - mostly gained from cheating at a card game with his school mates. They complemented each other perfectly. She was cautious about everything but money; he was adventurous about everything but money. Deciding that hiding in plain sight is probably the best option Claudia chooses the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and armed with $28.61 they set off on their life changing adventure.
All goes well for them until Claudia is struck by the mystery surrounding a new statue that is drawing huge crowds to the Museum. Is it really by Michelangelo? Determined to solve the mystery while still maintaining their daily routines like putting on clean underwear, Claudia and Jamie have to use all their wits, intelligence and money-sense to remain undiscovered until Claudia decides to visit the statue's previous owner Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler, a somewhat eccentric old lady who seems to understand both children very well.
Originally published in 1967, it won the Newbery Medal the following year for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children and has become a modern classic for independent readers. Not only that, the Museum gets so many questions about the book that they have devoted a whole issue of the Museum Kids newsletter to it; there is a movie made of it and the Internet is sprinkled with lesson plans, reviews and other guides. Regardless of perhaps appearing to be a little old-fashioned for today's readers, nevertheless it is an engaging story that those who are ready for and wanting a solid read. I'm glad I left it till I had time to give it its due.
Barbara Braxton

The bitter season by Tami Hoag

Kovac and Liska, bk 5. Orion Books, 2016. ISBN 9781409151999
(Age: Adult - 16+) Recommended. Detectives. Murder. Kovac and Liska return in this chilling murder mystery. Nikki Liska has moved to the cold case squad, in the hope that the transfer will give her more time to spend with her two sons. Kovak has a new young detective, who he has to train. Then Liska's cold case, involving the murder of a sex crimes detective 20 years earlier, intersects with a gory killing of a university professor and his wife that Kovak is investigating, and both have to use all their skills to solve the murders and evade danger.
In a gripping story Hoag has intertwined the two cases in a way that keeps the suspense at a high level. She also introduces a young woman, Evi Burke, who was in and out of foster homes as a child and who has managed to drag herself off the streets, marry and have the life that she could only dream of when she was a child. Her back story and the danger from the past that is stalking her is compelling reading.
Hoag's characters are fully realised: The way that Liska's manages her ex-husband behaving like a teen, her love for her two boys and the stresses of being a single parent, give a depth to her personality. Foster homes and foster children are also a theme for Hoag, and the fact that Evi has managed to put her past behind her makes for an involving story. Kovak too is at his best, putting the young detective through his paces.
Although the 5th in the series, this can be read as a stand-alone novel, and readers new to the series will probably want to go back and read other stories with these two detectives.
Not for the faint hearted, The bitter season is an intense and gripping read, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing to the end.
Pat Pledger

Super sports stories for Kids by Patrick Loughlin

Ill. by James Hart. Random House, 2015. ISBN: 9780857989673
(Age: 7-9) Recommended. Themes: Sports, Teamwork, Soccer, Swimming. Author Patrick Loughlin enjoys writing about sports, he has written the popular Billy Slater Rugby League and Glenn Maxwell cricket series. These twelve stories are amusing slices of sporting life, surfing with a shark, the curse of the wooden spoon and racing against a swooping magpie. They explore the range of emotions experienced in a variety of games, Alex's anguish when his Speedos fall off during a swimming competition, Alice's determination to win the pink belt in karate or best friends competing as netball rivals.
Written from different points of view, these short stories are exciting, funny and easy to read, with relatable characters. Imagine poor Eric's dilemma when he is too afraid to use the haunted toilets before the footy game. On the winning siren, his team is not sprayed with Gatorade to celebrate, it's a another yellow liquid! When Ben accidentally sticks a knife in the toaster, he passes into heaven, gains his wings and joins the Pearly Gates Archangels where he plays an epic football game.
This book is just right for reluctant readers, as a class read aloud novel and as story starters for narrative writing. James Hart's black and white sketches capture the dramas in each story, especially Alex's toes bravely gripping his fallen Speedo cords during the swimming race.
Rhyllis Bignell

Australia to Z by Armin Greder

Allen & Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760113186
(Age: Yr 5 +) Australia to Z is Armin Greder at his uncompromising, most confronting best. From the creator who brought us The Island which really turned a spotlight on our treatment of newcomers, comes this totally different alphabetical look at Australia which is just perfect for getting students to have a look at what it means to be Australian. While 'soft' investigations focus on icons, anthems, heroes and food, Australia to Z takes a much tougher look starting with the A for Aborigine looking out and seeing a First Fleet ship on the horizon to the deliberately juxtaposed B for Boat People showing more recent arrivals.
This is political commentary brought into the lives of children so they need to think and investigate. Why has Greder chosen 'calories' for C, 'Ikea' for I, and 'Rupert' for R? But there are flashes of humour to lighten it too, with K being for the kangaroo that springs from nowhere in the night to take out the front of your car, and the ominously raised finger of the umpire for O for Out! And finally, there is Z for Zoo but the illustration is not what you would expect - but is perhaps the most poignant of all. This really is Australia under the microscope as the title page image suggests.
The choices make us think about how others see us, and with Greder being a Swiss immigrant, his perception may be sharper than others. But the inclusion of Advance Australia Fair almost as an appendix is a masterstroke - how different are the words we sing to the life we live?
Often in an 'alphabet book' the illustrations are more important than the text itself, but in this one the two are interdependent. Yes the text is biting but it is the powerful illustrations that accompany it that add the extra punch. Why are Rupert's eyes blank? What does the picture of the Digger represent? With bold black strokes and a minimal palette, each image says all it needs to say and leaves a lasting impression long after the page has been turned.
Working in a highly multicultural school which has a significant population of children who come to learn English for the first time so they can work comfortably in their neighbourhood schools later, it never ceases to amaze me how these kids get along and understand each other so well without a common language let alone skin colour. There are many quotes and memes online that state "Children are not born racist - they learn to hate" and that is certainly my experience. Using Australia to Z in a focus on identity and belonging would be a most powerful way to raise issues, investigate and discuss them because knowledge leads to understanding, understanding leads to tolerance and tolerance leads to acceptance. Maybe this year's Year 5 and 6 students will be a turning point as they create their own with the theme "what could be" . . .
Barbara Braxton

This raging light by Estelle Laure

Orchard Books, 2015. ISBN 9781408340271
(Ages 14+) Recommended. Mild coarse language. "How is it that one day Digby was just my best friends twin brother and then the next he stole air, gave me jitters, and twisted my insides up?" (Publisher). Dad's gone, mum's missing, bills to pay and there is Wren to look after. Now in my senior year everything is happening.
There are mysterious Angels delivering gifts to the house, gifts Wren and I greatly need and I have no clue who is giving them to us. Digby has a girlfriend but I can't stop thinking about him or having feelings for him.
When I started this novel it was hard. The writing style was confusing and difficult to keep track of, but after a few chapters I realised that is exactly what it is like inside the mind of teenage girl's mind who is in love and in a hopeless situation and after that it was really amazing to read. Halfway through and towards the end it is just one big crazy roller coaster. I really wanted to know who the 'Angels' were and wanted to know why they were helping Lucille and Wren when Lucille hadn't told anyone other than her friends about what was happening. At the end I was emotional but a bit confused, but definitely a recommended book.
Cecilia Richards

Recipes for love and murder, a Tannie Maria mystery by Sally Andrew

Text Publishing, 2015 ISBN 9781925240092
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended, Crime, Domestic violence, South Africa, Recipes. When Tannie Maria is told that her recipe column in the local newspaper has been cut and she is expected to do a personal column, she deftly entwines her recipes with her responses to people's problems.
But the letter which enrages her more than any is one from a woman wanting a recipe to cook for her husband who regularly beats her. Memories of her own abusive husband crowd in on her but unable to do anything for this woman she gives recipes for a meal which will keep him happy. Another letter from the woman's friend underlines the seriousness of the situation but before Tannie Maria can go any further, the abused woman is killed.
There follows a detective story as Maria and the investigative journalist in her office, Jessie, try to help the police with their enquiries.
Often sad and poignant, carefully crafted and very funny, this story of a brutal marriage is addictive, as Andrew rolls out the tale of Martine and her husband and her friend, Anna.
The background, living in the Klein Karoo, a semi desert area in Southern Africa forms an impressive part of the detail of the book, and Andrew expects that the reader will work out some of the Afrikaaner words for themselves while some sent me to an online dictionary. The hum of life for Tannie Maria and her friends is riveting, her recipes (offered in an appendix at the end of the book) mouth watering and methods of detection sublime as she garners the smallest of details to help the detective solve the case. And he also provides an unexpected romantic interest for the lonely Tannie Maria, as every time they meet she notices the gulf between his bahviour and that of her abusive husband.
This is the first in a series of stories starring the wonderful Tannie Maria. Comparisons with Alexander McCall Smith smother some reviews, but this writer stands on her own presenting stories which reflect life in South Africa. Stunning scenery, a host of small animals and plants, hints of racial divides, a touch of history and romance all add up to a most satisfying read leaving the reader with an appetite for book number two.
Fran Knight

Pony School Showdown by Meredith Costain

Ella Diaries bk 6. Ill. by Danielle McDonald. Scholastic, 2016, ISBN: 9781760157166
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Themes: Horse Riding; Friendship; Diaries
Ella is convinced by her BFF that horses are the best things ever, despite the fact that fashion is actually her passion. Then she needs to convince her parents that she deserves a horse. Ella and her best friend Zoe hatch a plan to get her involved in Pony School. Ella of course thinks this will lead to owning a pony too! At Pony School Ella also encounters some mean girls - one she knows well, and another who seems even meaner. (Do all Pony schools have mean girls?) Ella has a unique view of everything she encounters, but she is also a good friend and is open and honest.
The entire story is told through Ella's diary entries which include her creative word inventions eg 'exciterating', 'worserer'. Small humourous cartoon-style illustrations are also part of the appeal of this book.
Recommended for independent female readers aged 7+. (I hope they realise that she is a word inventor!)
Carolyn Hull

The extraordinary adventures of Alfred Kropp by Rick Yancey

Talk under water by Kathryn Lomer

University of Queensland Press, 2015. ISBN 9780702253690
(Age: Teens) Recommended. Will and Summer meet online and strike up a friendship based on coincidence. Summer lives in Will's old hometown, Kettering, a small Tasmanian coastal community. Both Will and Summer are missing a parent and needing a friend.
Summer isn't telling the whole truth about herself, but figures it doesn't matter if they never see each other in person, right? When Will returns to Kettering, the two finally meet and Summer can no longer hide her secret. Can Summer and Will still find a way to be friends? (Publisher)
Witnessing Will and Summer meet for the first time in person was certainly not what I had anticipated at all, although it was very entertaining. The blossoming rollercoaster relationship between Will and Summer was incredibly beautiful and so sweetly unique; how much Will was doing for Summer by learning sign language and Summer being able to open herself up to someone about her father.
Both characters were beautifully created and continued to develop in a realistic manner whereas many books rush the character development. Will and Summer caused the readers to feel their emotions, but not exaggerated emotions; realistic emotions.
The storyline was one that I have not seen before but it was very interesting and adventurous as it was mostly based around the Tasmanian coast. The cover gives the reader almost a sense of wonder through Will and Summer being underwater but also the sea creatures added to create that feeling of being underwater.
I also adored how the author incorporated the explanations of some sign language words, it got me trying them out myself; plus the sign language alphabet at the back of the book has me very intrigued!
I would recommend this book to readers 16+ who love a book that will make you think and allow you to not only to discover a whole new language but also to witness what online meetings can turn into when you meet in person - the person isn't always as they seem.
Jemma Hadley (Student)

Sorry by Lisa Kerr

Cheeky Monkey Manners. Five Mile Press, 2016. ISBN 9781760069773
(Age: 3-5) Recommended. Board book. Another in the Cheeky Monkey Manners series, sees Cheeky Monkey learning when to use the word 'Sorry'. When Cheeky Monkey is invited to Georgina's party he does some things that makes Georgina, the birthday girl, very sad. He blows out her birthday candles , then he opens her birthday presents, and when they played pin-the-tail on the elephant, he pushes her out of the way so that he can be at the front of the queue. When he wonders why Georgina is looking sad, Mr Owl tells him that it is Georgina's special day and that he should say 'Sorry'.
Funny illustrations accompany the text in this 5 page double spread narrative that is short enough to capture the attention of the pre-schooler, yet get the message about good manner across in an amusing and memorable way. The illustrations complement the text and add an element of humour to the message, and children will have lots of fun finding the tiny mouse on the pages as well as looking at the little monkeys and amusing birds.
This is an effective and fun way for young children to learn about saying sorry and having good manners at a birthday party.
Pat Pledger

Clementine Rose and the special promise by Jacqueline Harvey

Clementine Rose series bk 11. Penguin Random House, 2016. ISBN 9780857987860
(Age: 6+ - independent readers) Highly recommended. Themes: Friendship; Relationships; Family. Clementine Rose is shocked by some news involving her friend Sophie Rousseau which sends her into a downward spin. More news involving other friends Will and his father, Drew, sends the roller-coaster of emotions into an upward climb. This topsy-turvy emotional ride continues with the arrival of a new girl who is blatantly obnoxious, and who creates a twisted atmosphere of uncertainty and unhappiness. Clementine feels insecure in her own place in her family with Lady Clarissa. Is everything about to change? The school Grandparent's Day becomes the focal point of the story, and it is has an amazing and surprising conclusion.
In the book we follow a 6-year-old child who has an unusual life living in Penberthy House with its impressive history, but the central feature of the action is that she is profoundly loved by her unique family. It is well written for a capable reader from aged 6+. Harvey creates tension and light-hearted moments, but it is still a dramatic tale for younger readers, with interesting character descriptions and robustly healthy relationships.
Despite not personally having read any of the other 10 books in this series, it is clear that Jacqueline Harvey has written a series that would be esteemed by young female readers. This book stands alone with a good plotline, and each character is introduced in such a way that it is not necessary to have read the books from earlier in the series. But I wish I had!
Highly recommended for young independent readers.
Carolyn Hull

The runaway foal by Kate Welshman

Pine Valley Ponies series; bk 2. Scholastic, 2015. ISBN: 9781743624319
(Age: 7+) Themes: Horse-riding; Friendship. Maddy and Iris are taking horse riding lessons and the latest lessons involve riding without stirrups and then bareback - both challenging for Maddy. Because of her friendship with Iris, she gets some extra practice which helps to prepare her for the rescue of the runaway foal. Another class member, Alita, continues to be difficult in her interactions with the other girls. She is perhaps a little too concerned with her own importance, and a young reader could learn from this.
This is a simply written story with six short chapters and occasional highlighted words and phrases in larger font size, with a smattering of modest line drawings amongst the chapters, suited to young girls who enjoy reading about horses and horse-riding. It is also a story about friendship and learning new challenges.
Suited for early independent readers aged 7+.
Carolyn Hull

The Lake House by Kate Morton

Allen & Unwin, 2015. ISBN 9781742376516
(Age; YA - Adult) Recommended. Themes: Family; Murder; Mystery; War impacts. For those who are already Kate Morton enthusiasts, this will be another book to devour during a holiday break. But, if like me, you have not yet discovered Kate Morton, then I can recommend this Australian author's Detective/Mystery Drama written for an adult audience. Morton deftly weaves the stories of a young female Police detective who is under an employment cloud because of her handling of a recent case, and the family history of a renowned Murder mystery writer who hides her own family mystery. The drama is all set in Cornwall in the old Lake House, mostly during the 1930's or in the current reinvestigation of the cold case and the central mystery involving a young child. Threaded through the investigation are reminders of the power of a parent's connection to their child, and of the heartache of those who dearly want to be parents, but are unable to have their own children.
This is not a quick-read book (595 pages), but it can be savoured as you 'relocate' to Cornwall and participate in the life of the socially elite of the early 1900s. Morton then takes the reader on a journey backwards and forwards in time, and through the perspectives of individual participants in the drama. Characterisation is wonderfully detailed, and nuanced; even the characters we don't immediately love or who are not central in the story have psychological depth that is slowly unpeeled.
Although this is essentially a book for adults, this is a book that could entertain a young adult reader as the plot journey takes us through the life of a 16 year old at the time of the mystery at the Lake House.
Carolyn Hull

Monkey business by Leslie Margolis

Annabelle Unleashed series. Bloomsbury, 2015. ISBN 9781619637993
(Age: 10 - 12) Recommended. Themes: Girls Fiction, Friendship, Fundraising, Music Festivals. Annabelle's life is undergoing some significant changes; her family's moved to a new home, her mother is about to have a new baby and one of her best friends Rachel is acting strangely.
During their first sleepover at Annabelle's house, the girls hear about the Panda Parade an upcoming music concert starring all their favourite singers and groups. Claire, Emma, Rachel, Yumi and Annabelle decide they all want to go, unfortunately, the concert is in a town two hours away and the tickets are expensive. The girls' parents decide they must all find $150 each to pay for their weekend away.
After several failed attempts - lemonade stands and car washes, creative friend Claire comes up with a brilliant plan involving sewing, socks, buttons and ribbons. Agreeing on a work plan is difficult when Rachel is always disagreeing and putting Annabelle down. Surprisingly, their sock-monkey enterprise takes off and keeps them busy both at school and home. When it's time for Annabelle's twelfth birthday party, not everything goes to plan and Rachel has a part to play in the disaster. Preteen life definitely has its ups and downs, but both friends and family are there for Annabelle.
Author Leslie Margolis realistically portrays the fun and dramas of Annabelle's life, her friendships, Oliver her first boyfriend, school life and family relationships. Teamwork, resilience, listening and supporting friends are important values explored here.
Rhyllis Bignell

Soccer Superstar! by Tim Cahill

Tiny Timmy series bk 1. Scholastic, 2015. ISBN: 9781760158880
(Age: 6+) Themes: Soccer; Persistence. Tiny Timmy is trying to get on the Soccer team, but he is too short and his coach thinks he needs to practise his skills more. Timmy takes this advice and tries to get taller, and keeps practising every spare moment. When he accidentally discovers a talent for jumping high, he realises he might have a skill that the soccer team can use.
Tim Cahill (a Socceroos star) gives us hints about his own pathway to success in this simply written and gentle story about the power of persistence and overcoming obstacles in a sporting context. Timmy also writes his own practice and Match reports within the story (demonstrating his writing skills as well).
Young independent readers aged 6+ will enjoy this book.
Carolyn Hull